Jack 2013

Jack has had quite a year! Our kind-hearted, sensitive, funny 6 year old is beginning to mature and grow right in front of us.

We have made it halfway through the kindergarten year and couldn't be more thrilled with the results so far. The Lord knew exactly what Jack would need to have a successful school experience. More about that later!

Jack currently loves Transformers, Beyblades, his teacher, chocolate milk, Magic Treehouse books, Sonic cherry slushes, Science, playing with Sam and going to Grandma & Grandpa's house.

Our big guy has had a variety of health issues since birth (allergies, asthma, aortic stenosis) but this past year we began really focusing on some of his "quirkiness." Lots of little things began to be bigger issues. He was officially diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder and Aspergers Syndrome.

This information was not necessarily surprising for us but it did come with some challenging days as we processed through lots of information. We still just take one day at a time and are learning to be open to change.

We are looking forward to a great spring with Jack. Hoping to find a sport that he enjoys and gives him some fun physical activity. He has almost mastered shoe-tying and says that his next life goal is to go without training wheels on his bike. Bring on some good weather!!!!

Workout

I only got in one workout last week BUT it's Tuesday and I've already gotten in a workout this week. Yahoo! Progress! Have I mentioned how I loathe Jillian Michaels?? She does give a good workout though!

So many people I know are big supporters of the nutritional supplements/program Advocare. They've seen great results and have more energy. Unfortunately it's just not something I can commit to at this point, but I honestly think I need a more practical option. Something my whole family can benefit from at mealtimes.

I've begun researching the Paleo lifestyle and have read about people reversing all kinds of health issues, including asthma, which our sweet Henry deals with on a daily basis. If anything I've learned that just eating fewer processed foods will help tremendously.

Hopefully in the coming weeks I can post some recipes we've tried. Lord willing, I can get this house full of picky eaters to eat a few fruits & veggies!

Getting in the groove

Life with three little guys has been pure joy but also ultra challenging. The schedule has been out of control some weeks but we are hoping to get in a better routine now that the holidays are over.

Although Sam is the perfect baby (shhh! Don't tell his brothers!), he hasn't been sleeping through the night. Jack & Henry slept through the night at 6 weeks old so going without sleep is a whole different ball game for us.

I actually have gotten used to it but the biggest thing it has affected is getting to work out. I can't stay up late to get in a workout & getting up any earlier just isn't happening. But I'm hoping to change that this week.

My goal is to get in 3 workouts this week. I'll check back in at the end of the week and see how I did. I'd love to also get back to my sweets only on days that start with S rule! Maybe we'll just make one change per week! :)

Henry 2013

Henry Richard is a rambunctious, curious, thoughtful, mischievous, loving little guy. He challenges me almost daily to think before I speak, ask why about my choices and to depend on my Lord.

Henry likes to eat green beans, almond milk, chips, popcorn, hot dogs, bread of any kind, and anything sweet, especially chocolate. He is a solid water drinker which is awesome but might also mean that I buy pull-ups for the next decade! Argh!

If the weather is nice Henry wants to be outside. If the weather is bad Henry wants to be outside. :) He runs, jumps, digs, collects rocks, and rides his bike as often as he can.

His preschool teachers, Mrs Jamie & Ms. Judy, adore him. They often tell us that he makes them laugh, is really smart and generally obedient. He talks about playing with Luke, Jim and the other Henry (who is in the 4 yr old class). He knows his alphabet and can count almost to 20.

He LOVES Transformer Rescue Bots, playing Subway Surfer on the iPad, and all things LEGO. He could play Legos for hours and hours Every. Single. Day.

Although I thought I would only write positive things, its hard to think of Henry and not think of mischief! Often times when I am feeding Sam, my dear Henry is off doing something crazy. Just a few recent gems - pulling all the Christmas tree lights off the front bushes in less than 10 minutes, pouring out a whole container of Nesquik dry mix to make a dirt track on the table with his cars, drawing with marker on the carpet to practice his numbers, and saying as many "bad words" as possible before I can get to him.

Joys of a three year old boy! He melts my heart!

Globetrotters

My super generous brother Nate took us to the Globetrotters Friday night at the UTC arena.

These guys put on an amazing performance. The boys cracked up several times at the various antics on court. It takes a lot to get a good belly laugh out of my boys so I know it was funny!

Two of the players stood on the basketball goal and played around like a monkey. I'm pretty sure Henry would try it at home if he could figure out how to get up there.

Hated to leave early but about an hour and half into the show, two little heads started bobbing and eyes started closing. I didn't want to be stuck carrying 90 lbs (their combined weight) all the way to the car. We will certainly go to another show if they come to town again!

Creek

Who doesn't love 60 degrees & sunny in January?!?! Just what we needed this weekend.

Jake's parents have a creek bed at the back of their property that is typically dry. With all the rain last week there was a good foot of water running over the rocks.

Some days I'd rather just keep the boys occupied in the house because its easier with Sam. Honestly its selfish and lazy. Thankful the Lord gave us some gloriously enticing weather! I couldn't keep Henry in if I tried!

Sam's Ears January 2013

Having a sweet 8 month old is such a blessing.  Sam is joyful, content and growing like a weed.  He struggled with respiratory issues this fall, which always seemed to lead to ear infections.  With every tooth (6 & counting!!!) he has also had ear infections.  Thankfully our pediatrician is ahhhmazing and she sent us to the ENT for ear tubes before this continued anymore. 

Sam was a terrific patient.  He played with a few toys while we waited but mainly chewed on the blood pressure cuff. In recovery he had his first taste of apple juice, which he guzzled down!

Creative Discovery Museum January 2013

So many things to catch up on but why not just start where we are! My goal with this blog has always been to mainly keep up with what's going on with our little family so we can look back at life. Maybe some things from this past year will make it in but for now we'll just begin.

Even though Jake works most weekends, I try to get out with the boys on Saturdays.  Since we've had TONS of rain this winter it's been difficult to be outside, so any chance for indoor fun is at the top of our list.  Last weekend we went to Creative Discovery Museum with Jake's cousin Amanda and my brother's family. Sam had a rare chance to stay by himself with Grandma.

Just an afternoon sailing the seas!

 

Digging up some bones.

 

Dinosaurs Roar!

 

A too small alien costume didn't stop this show!

 

Always fun to play instruments as loud as possible.

 

Bubbles never get old for this boy.

 

We had tons of fun and are looking forward to the new dinosaur exhibit that started this weekend.  Hoping to go soon!